Neville gives seven rising stars call-ups in preparation for World Cup

PHIL NEVILLE has given seven rising stars of the top two tiers of the women’s game their first senior England call-ups.

The uncapped players are due to join Neville’s 30-strong Lionesses squad at a training camp at St George’s Park next Tuesday. 

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Phil Neville has named seven rising stars of the Women’s Super League in his 30-strong England squad [/caption]

Liverpool’s Rinsola Babajide, 22, Manchester United’s Katie Zelem 24, and Manchester City defender Esme Morgan, 19, are among the starlets being given their first senior caps. 

The gathering of Neville, 43, and his players is being billed as preparation for the Lionesses’ aim to reach the 2023 World Cup.

It is hoped the team will improve on their last outing at the tournament where they lost to the USA in the semis last July 

 

Having turned to youth options for the SheBelieves Cup this year, Neville hopes to give his newest squad members experience of being part of an elite international set-up 

All the youngsters who have been given their opportunity today are extremely deserving of their senior call-ups, having performed strongly at club level

Phil Neville

The England chief said: “All the youngsters who have been given their opportunity today are extremely deserving of their senior call-ups, having performed strongly at club level and through England’s development teams. 

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West Ham’s Grace Fisk is among the WSL players who will join the England squad for a seven-day training camp next week[/caption]

“It is important that we offer as many opportunities as possible for some of the country’s best young talent to stake their claim for a place in the senior England squad for this exciting three-year period. 

“Now is their opportunity to prove themselves at senior international level and I am excited to see the blend of youthful ambition and senior experience.” 

The Lionesses, who will be led by incoming coach Sarina Wiegman from next September, will be targeting trophy wins at the Euros as well as the World Cup in the next three years.

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Esme Morgan (left) has impressed England boss Neville with her recent performances for Manchester City[/caption]

Their upcoming training camp, which starts on 15 September, will see players gathering for the first time since the SheBelieves tournament in March.

Neville added: “This is a critical moment in our development of England Women. 

“Introducing greater competition for places and providing opportunities for young players to develop is absolutely key to taking England Women to the next level as we begin the long build towards the home EURO and FIFA Women’s World Cup.”